The Bayfield town board has voted to cancel the Jan. 12 removal hearing for Trustee Alexis Hartz, ending a monthslong saga stemming from allegations that Hartz harassed a resident last year.
The motion to cancel the hearing passed 4 -3 at the board’s Dec. 2 meeting.
Trustees Matthew Nyberg, Laura MacLaurin, Hartz and Mayor Tom Au voted to cancel the hearing. Trustees Kat Katsos, Lori Zazzaro and Brenna Morlan voted against the motion.
The hearing was intended to consider Hartz’s removal following a December 2024 incident in which she allegedly confronted and attempted to intimidate resident Lucy Stewart at Stewart’s home. Stewart apparently signed a letter calling on Hartz’s resignation, which led to the confrontation.
Hartz was cited for criminal harassment, but the case was later diverted – a resolution that allowed charges to be dropped upon successful completion of certain requirements.
Concerns about Hartz’s conduct have persisted for about a year. Morlan first introduced a motion in July calling for a formal removal hearing.
The Durango Herald reported on the removal hearing last week based on outdated information.
MacLaurin had originally voted in favor of the hearing when it was introduced.
She attributed her change of heart to the drawn-out hearing process, which she believes to be “excessive” and a contributing factor to tensions between board members and the community.
“I have thought about it and examined it, so, yes, I have changed my mind,” she said during board discussion time. “It is ridiculous to keep continuing this.”
Morlan opposed canceling the hearing, arguing that the board has an ethical obligation to hear serious complaints. She said reversing the decision could erode public trust.
Hartz and Katsos declined to comment for this story.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
